Thai experts: Bed bug spray didn't kill Kiwi tourist

Sarah Carter. Photo / Supplied

Thai experts have dismissed allegations a toxic insecticide caused the sudden death of 23-year-old New Zealand tourist after she fell ill in her Chiang Mai hotel, the Bangkok Post reports.

Sarah Carter, 23, became violently sick on February 3 while staying at the Downtown Inn in Chiang Mai and died a day later.

Her two friends and travelling companions, Emma Langlands and Amanda Eliason, also fell ill but later recovered.

An investigation aired by TV3's 60 Minutes showed trace elements of the chemical chlorpyrifos, used to kill bed bugs, were found in the hotel room Ms Carter was staying in.

United Nations scientist Ron McDowall, who carried out tests on behalf of TV3, said the symptoms suffered by Ms Carter and the other tourists who died suggested they were killed by over exposure to the chemical.